Older adult volunteers may provide literacy assistance as a form of classroom support for all students during a class lesson, particularly for kindergarten through grade three English Language Arts blocks. Students benefit from the additional support, guidance, and caring relationships formed with the volunteers. Their presence adds diversity, wisdom, and positive energy, fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning atmosphere.

Whole class support can bring about many benefits for the students, teachers, and volunteers. Students can receive additional individualized attention, clarification, and reinforced vital concepts, and help to grasp the material taught by the teacher more effectively. With the support of older adult volunteers, teachers can implement differentiated instruction more seamlessly. Volunteers can work with small groups of students, tailoring instruction to meet their specific needs and abilities to ensure that all students receive appropriate levels of challenge and support promoting academic growth. As a positive language model for students, they help expand their language skills and promote expressive and receptive language development. Volunteers can assist students in developing strong reading skills by guiding reading activities, allowing students to decode unfamiliar words, encouraging comprehension strategies, and fostering a love for reading. This support can improve reading fluency, comprehension, and overall literacy development.

Older adult volunteers often bring their love for literature to the classroom. They can share their favorite books, stories, and poems, sparking students’ enthusiasm and excitement for reading and writing. Exposure to various literary works can broaden students’ horizons and inspire creativity.

Older adult volunteers from diverse backgrounds can contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures and perspectives. They can share personal stories, traditions, and experiences, fostering cultural awareness, empathy, and acceptance among students.

Further, older adults promote intergenerational connections and bridge generational gaps. Students can form positive relationships with volunteers, benefiting from their wisdom, guidance, and life experiences. These connections help create a sense of community and foster mutual respect and understanding.

Older adult volunteers’ contribution enhances the educational experience for all students, fostering academic growth, nurturing a love for reading, and creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

Volunteers provide assigned students one-on-one and small group tutoring during 30–45-minute sessions two to three days weekly during the school year. Usually, volunteers work with one teacher and grade level. Teachers typically assign six students to each tutor, but this number may increase when small group tutoring occurs.

Literacy Assistance

A PLI team has the option to create a school support project focusing on K-3 literacy. Projects may vary from a literacy night to a book of poems to a Meet the Author guest visit.